The Fayetteville City Council will consider whether to send a new anti-discrimination ordinance to voters in a proposed Sept. 8 special election. Alderwoman Adella Gray, who is sponsoring the ordinance, said Thursday the new version is "very different" from a previous ordinance the city council passed last year.

Hot Springs just became the latest in a string of Arkansas cities to add sexual orientation and gender identity to a list of protected classes in city employment and contracts. However, a similar in ordinance in Jonesboro is unable to gain traction or even enough support for a vote to be held. KASU’s Jonathan Reaves reports.

Arkansas' governor has approved legislation that will allow a monument to the Ten Commandments to be constructed near the state Capitol.

A spokesman for Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Wednesday said the governor had signed the bill requiring the state to allow a privately funded display of the commandments to be built on the state Capitol grounds. Lawmakers sent the measure to Hutchinson last week.

Several dozens of people, including former Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, have gathered in Little Rock to show their distaste for a proposed law that critics say would sanction discrimination against gays and lesbians.

They oppose the bill prohibiting state and local government action that would substantially burden someone's religious beliefs unless a "compelling" interest is proven.

McDaniel said at the Sunday gathering held by the Arkansas chapter of Human Rights Campaign that he opposed the law that he believes allows for discriminatory practices.

A number of high-profile business figures are calling on Governor Asa Hutchinson (R) to veto a bill supporters describe as a "religious freedom" measure that on Friday passed the Arkansas Senate. Opponents say it allows religious belief to be used as a defense for discriminating against LGBT people in housing, employment, and both public and private accommodations and services.

An Arkansas House committee has endorsed a proposal to allow a Ten Commandments monument near the state Capitol despite objections it blurs the separation between church and state. The Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs voted for the bill 11-3 on Friday.

It would allow a privately funded monument to the commandments to be built on the Capitol grounds, with its design and location to be approved by the secretary of state.